Difference in handling with lift spacers?

[JDMitchell]

I have already ordered shocks made for a 4 inch lift so I know I am lifting my expy the question is, how much. I am looking for input to decide between the 2 and 3 inch spacers. I know my expy will spend 95% of its life on road and I want to have a safe vehicle that I don't have to worry about when my family is riding.

It isn't to late for me to change my order to stock size shocks, so if there are big differences in the handling I might go that route and just leave the suspension alone. I would like to have that couple extra inches of ground clearance but it isn't a huge deal to me since I am not a hard core wheeler.

 

[DR3W]

Wait, 4 inches before or after tires?

If you lift the front 4 inches (Before tires) than i'd do a 3' spacer, because it would look better. But of course the 2' spacers will handle a little better because it puts your center of gravity higher but there isn't really that much of a difference at all excapt looks Is yours 4X2?




2000 xlt 4X2
4.6L 170k miles

 

[panda24619]

you want to match shock length with the height of the truck. crank the tbs as high as they go, evenly though. then take jack and see how you like the rear. mine at 2" was level and i liked it. 3" made it look to bull doggys. so im going 2 inch. just measure it from top of the tire to the wheel well. do that every so often. then you know what you like. and 2" is plenty for me. cause then i can always ad a body lift later on too. so get shocks later. and make sure they are the right length. other wise there might be complications with the suspension.

 

[JDMitchell]

I have a 4x4 and the the front is just getting the torsion twist. The extra inch or two that the shocks will have should work out fine since they will just have some extra travel that won't be used.

My biggest question is: Do the 2 and 3 inch spacers make the expy to top heavy, or add a feeling of instablility?

 

[panda24619]

i dont feel any difference in the front end. but the wider the tire the better too. and since you got new rubber it shouldnt be to bad. i dont think someone in an expedition will hit a turn at 65 anyways. smooth on the other hand has done that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7OopnJ3QNM&feature=related then again this was when he stock and not lifted.

 

[JDMitchell]

I definently didn't buy the expy for it's performance, if I want to have fun I jump on my motorcycle. I just want to make sure that in normal everyday driving that lift spacers aren't going to be unsafe in any way.

 

[jeff1998]

I have noticed NO difference from stock handling. I am using 2" spacers in the rear and torsion crank up front.

 

[jacks3am]

a good rule of thumb ive heard of is that for every inch lifted, an inch in width keeps original stability, but that dosent sound right when u get to walnuts height LOL

 

[panda24619]

thats why walnuts needs 41s! his rubber is too small!

 

[JDMitchell]

Well my extra 30 mm on the tires is an inch right there, I will probably go with the 2 inch spacers and call it good.

 

[panda24619]

thats what im doing. 2" is enough to have 34s with 0 to very little rubbing. and 35s with little rubbing. so i figured i can fit some 35s in there then do a bl when i get the pesos!

 

[JDMitchell]

I went ahead and ordered the 2 inch spacers. I will put them on when I do my trailing arms and track bar. Hopefully I will be able to get them made today. I am gonna ask about the PRO-comp stock sized shocks since I am only going two inches higher. If those guys say it should work I will change my order from the four inch lift shocks.

 

[walnuts4x4]

yeah there are no real problems with lifting an expy... best thing to do is go wider with tires if you can... I feel very safe driving mine just can't be driving around like it is a sports car...


and 41s wont fit... 40s could but would be tight.... but problem I run into is width my 12.5s rub so could only imagine if I go wider or more agressive tread....

 

[jacks3am]

for every inch gained in tire height, you get a half inch of lift